Martha Nicholson

May 30, 1945 - July 19, 2011

Martha Faye (Rankin) Nicholson, age 66, of 1409 South Lincoln, Knoxville, died July 15, 2011 at the Pella Hospice Comfort House in Pella. Martha was born in Knoxville on May 30, 1945 to Harold and Myra (Valentine) Rankin. She graduated from Monroe High School in the class of 1963. She attended the American Institute of Business. On February 8, 1964 Martha married her best friend Larry Nicholson. They were the proud parents of three children; Tammy Ranae who died in infancy, Jack Wayne, and Jennifer Jo Nicholson. She worked at Pella Corporation for 15 years and then joined Larry driving semi for a year. Later Martha worked for 16 years and retired from the V.A. Hospital in Knoxville. Martha enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and going to the casino. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time with Randy, Shane, and her special girls Shawna and Hannah. She was the best grandma ever. She is survived by her husband of 47 years Larry Nicholson; her son Jack (Carma) Nicholson; her daughter Jennifer (Kyle) Clark all of Knoxville; her grandchildren Randy Nicholson and Shannon Overton, Shane Nicholson and Cheyenne Ford, Shawna Van Waardhuizen and Hannah Nicholson. Martha is also survived by her sisters and brothers Darlene Palm of Bondurant, Judy (Alfred) Brungardt of Newton, Shirley (Tom) Caberea of Mason City, Chuck (Theresa) Rankin of Monroe, Margaret (Phil) Bal of Richardson, TX, Jerald (Celeste) Rankin of Knoxville, Dean (Janice) Rankin of Knoxville, and Carolyn Rankin of Monroe; manny other special relatives, nieces, nephews, and friends; and her very special puppy Mopsie. Martha was preceded in death by her daughter Tammy; her parents Harold and Myra; her father and mother-in-law Jack and Tootie Nicholson; and her sister Bobbi Ford. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 19th, 2011 at 10:30 A.M., at the Winfield Funeral Home in Knoxville. Rev. Andrew Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow services at Graceland Cemetery in Knoxville. Visitation for Martha will be held from 6 to 8:00 P.M., on Monday, July 18th, also at the Winfield Funeral Home, with Martha?s family present. A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Association. Condolences may be sent to www.winfieldfh.com.